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Native Son
This is the second volume of memoir by this remarkable Maori writer and of the living myths that inspired him at the beginning of his career
Look at him, the young man on the cover. The year is 1972, he is 28, his first book is about to be published, and he has every reason to kick up his heels.
But behind that joyful smile, and the image of a writer footing in in the Pakeha world, there is another narrative, one that Witi has not told before. The story of a native son, struggling to find a place, a voice and an identity, and to put a secret past to rest. This sequel to the award-winning memoir picks up where Maori Boy stopped, following Witi through his triumphs and failures at school and university, to experimenting sexually, searching for love and purpose and to become our first Maori novelist. It continues in the same vein as the first volume, which was described by a reviewer as 'a rich, powerful, multi-layered and totally unique story ... something every New Zealander should ready'.
Look at him, the young man on the cover. The year is 1972, he is 28, his first book is about to be published, and he has every reason to kick up his heels.
But behind that joyful smile, and the image of a writer footing in in the Pakeha world, there is another narrative, one that Witi has not told before. The story of a native son, struggling to find a place, a voice and an identity, and to put a secret past to rest. This sequel to the award-winning memoir picks up where Maori Boy stopped, following Witi through his triumphs and failures at school and university, to experimenting sexually, searching for love and purpose and to become our first Maori novelist. It continues in the same vein as the first volume, which was described by a reviewer as 'a rich, powerful, multi-layered and totally unique story ... something every New Zealander should ready'.
448 pages, Paperback
Published September 3, 2019
12 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Witi Ihimaera
86 books352 followersWiti Ihimaera is a novelist and short story writer from New Zealand, perhaps the best-known Māori writer today. He is internationally famous for The Whale Rider.
Ihimaera lives in New Zealand and is of Māori descent and Anglo-Saxon descent through his father, Tom. He attended Church College of New Zealand in Temple View, Hamilton, New Zealand. He was the first Māori writer to publish both a novel and a book of short stories. He began to work as a diplomat at the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1973, and served at various diplomatic posts in Canberra, New York, and Washington, D.C. Ihimaera remained at the Ministry until 1989, although his time there was broken by several fellowships at the University of Otago in 1975 and Victoria University of Wellington in 1982 (where he graduated with a BA).[1] In 1990, he took up a position at the University of Auckland, where he became Professor, and Distinguished Creative Fellow in Māori Literature. He retired from this position in 2010.
In 2004, his nephew Gary Christie Lewis married Lady Davina Windsor, becoming the first Māori to marry into the British Royal Family.
Ihimaera lives in New Zealand and is of Māori descent and Anglo-Saxon descent through his father, Tom. He attended Church College of New Zealand in Temple View, Hamilton, New Zealand. He was the first Māori writer to publish both a novel and a book of short stories. He began to work as a diplomat at the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1973, and served at various diplomatic posts in Canberra, New York, and Washington, D.C. Ihimaera remained at the Ministry until 1989, although his time there was broken by several fellowships at the University of Otago in 1975 and Victoria University of Wellington in 1982 (where he graduated with a BA).[1] In 1990, he took up a position at the University of Auckland, where he became Professor, and Distinguished Creative Fellow in Māori Literature. He retired from this position in 2010.
In 2004, his nephew Gary Christie Lewis married Lady Davina Windsor, becoming the first Māori to marry into the British Royal Family.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 4, 2020
I love Witis style of writing and his recalling his growing up and maturing into a writer was extremely fun to read. He explores many different aspects of his life. Sadly though 90% of the book is amazing and the last 10% (literally) is naff.
Definitely a book worth reading if you enjoy some cheekiness and interesting views on life in the 1950s and 60s. There are also many interesting tales from Maori mythology that underpin the narrative.
Definitely a book worth reading if you enjoy some cheekiness and interesting views on life in the 1950s and 60s. There are also many interesting tales from Maori mythology that underpin the narrative.
December 8, 2019
The follow-up to "Maori Boy", "Native Son" continues Ihimaera's journey to manhood. It begins with him heading off to high school and then on to university, all the while dealing with the aftermath of the assault described in the first book. A great read, "Native Son" also uses Maori Mythology to help the reader gain an understanding and some context of where Witi is on his journey.
September 30, 2019
Brave, shocking at times, and yet lyrical and heartwarming. I loved the spiral structure and the Maori mythology that is such an intricate part of this book. Looking forward to the final instalment in this autobiographical trilogy.
February 10, 2020
Very well written and interesting to really get a feel for the spiral, rather than linear, way of thinking and writing and living.
October 4, 2019
I do enjoy and admire Witi’s fiction.
So when I started this book I was immediately disappointed in the story.
The thread of Witi’s writing was in there but it was interspersed with the Maori myths and legends that influenced his writing, his problems with his grandfather and the angst of his early abuse by a family member.
All these subjects took hold of the story and left only a thread of the memoir I wanted to read.
So when I started this book I was immediately disappointed in the story.
The thread of Witi’s writing was in there but it was interspersed with the Maori myths and legends that influenced his writing, his problems with his grandfather and the angst of his early abuse by a family member.
All these subjects took hold of the story and left only a thread of the memoir I wanted to read.
October 7, 2025
Native Son by Witi Ihimaera is the second edition in his memoir series, following Māori Boy, and while he has hinted at a third memoir titled Indigenous Envoy, this book stands strongly on its own. Like its predecessor, it left a deep and lasting impact on me. Ihimaera tells his story with honesty, humour, and emotional depth, exploring his journey from his early years in rural New Zealand to his life as a writer and proud Māori man.
Although our childhoods were vastly different, I found myself relating to Ihimaera simply because he is Māori. His reflections on identity, whānau, and belonging struck a personal chord. His stories about the closeness he shares with his sisters were particularly moving.
One unforgettable scene is when his truck flips off the road yet he still manages to make it home before his father, completely unharmed and with no damage to the car 😂
Witi and Jane’s wedding was another highlight. Both had planned to have only 25 guests each, but in true Māori fashion, Witi’s extended family turned up in far greater numbers without him knowing. This story made me laugh and perfectly illustrates the warmth, spontaneity, and humour of whānau life.
His complex relationship with his grandfather, Pera Punahamoa, also stood out. Even though they did not always get along, it showed me how family bonds endure despite differences.
The most beautiful part of the book, for me, was the story at the end about his “inner child,” where he goes back to retrieve his younger self from the house. It was so moving that I copied those pages into my journal to keep them forever. That moment symbolises healing, self-acceptance, and love for one’s past self, something we can all learn from.
Both Māori Boy and Native Son are not just personal stories; they are important pieces of Māori literature that speak to identity, resilience, and belonging. Ihimaera’s storytelling is rich, honest, and deeply human. These memoirs have left a lasting emotional connection with me and remind readers that understanding where we come from helps us understand who we are.
From an east coast Māori to another, Nga mihi nui ki a koe Papa Witi ❤️🔥
Although our childhoods were vastly different, I found myself relating to Ihimaera simply because he is Māori. His reflections on identity, whānau, and belonging struck a personal chord. His stories about the closeness he shares with his sisters were particularly moving.
One unforgettable scene is when his truck flips off the road yet he still manages to make it home before his father, completely unharmed and with no damage to the car 😂
Witi and Jane’s wedding was another highlight. Both had planned to have only 25 guests each, but in true Māori fashion, Witi’s extended family turned up in far greater numbers without him knowing. This story made me laugh and perfectly illustrates the warmth, spontaneity, and humour of whānau life.
His complex relationship with his grandfather, Pera Punahamoa, also stood out. Even though they did not always get along, it showed me how family bonds endure despite differences.
The most beautiful part of the book, for me, was the story at the end about his “inner child,” where he goes back to retrieve his younger self from the house. It was so moving that I copied those pages into my journal to keep them forever. That moment symbolises healing, self-acceptance, and love for one’s past self, something we can all learn from.
Both Māori Boy and Native Son are not just personal stories; they are important pieces of Māori literature that speak to identity, resilience, and belonging. Ihimaera’s storytelling is rich, honest, and deeply human. These memoirs have left a lasting emotional connection with me and remind readers that understanding where we come from helps us understand who we are.
From an east coast Māori to another, Nga mihi nui ki a koe Papa Witi ❤️🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews